Enews issue 19

ENEWS19 2016 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM UPCOMING EVENTS The VET Development Centre 2016 Professional Learning Program is now available online and registrations are open.

The program is open access and incorporates both face to face workshops and online delivery informed by current trends in VET. All programs are facilitated by experienced staff and can be structured to suit your organisation or department's workforce development needs. For more information contact the Centre at info@vetcentre.vic.edu.au To book online please visit our website.

Receive a 10% discount with three or more registrations.

2016 GRANTS THE CENTRE NEWS Available grants in 2016:

As part of its commitment to quality training outcomes for the Victorian vocational training system, the Department of Education and Training (DET), funds the VET Development Centre to deliver professional development programs and services to the sector.

Each year the Centre designs a range of programs and project activities (grants) to support the ongoing development of the professional teaching and specialist staff workforce. Training organisations that have a VET funding contract to deliver government-subsidised training under the Victorian Training Guarantee are eligible for project funding through the Grants Scheme.

Grant guidelines and application forms are available on our website.

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Teaching Fellowships Grants up to $8,000

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Specialist Scholarships Grants up to $5,000

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Indigenous Education Grants to $15,000

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Research Fellows Grants up to $5,000

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Digital Innovation in Learning Program (ILeP) Grants from $15,000 to $30,000

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Enhancing Quality Provision Grants up to $15,000

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Maintaining Industry Currency Grants up to $15,000 Workforce Capability Building Grants up to $15,000

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The Centre welcomes applications from providers on the condition that projects align and sit within the organisation's strategic and workforce development plans. All applications will require endorsement from the providers CEO.

CEO MESSAGE VET DEVELOPMENT CENTRE After six and a bit years as CEO at the Centre and after nearly 30 years working in the vocational education and training sector it is time for me to ‘retire’ from full-time work and bid you all farewell! It has been a very rewarding time for me professionally and personally working in a variety of roles and with a number of providers.

I’m impressed at how many people are focussed on supporting learners to achieve their career and life goals.

It is unfortunately a cliché to say that VET transforms lives rather than accepting it as a given, but in my years of engagement with the sector I have seen first hand the positive influence of vocational education and training on so many people. In reflecting back on that period of time a few things stand out for me. It’s a mixed bag and in no particular order – the incredible passion of many teachers who love their trade/vocation and wish to impart that knowledge and ‘give back’ to their industry; the great stock of interesting resources across the sector/state; the devaluing of VET as a rewarding career for teachers and this includes the lack of parity and esteem with the other sectors; the disregard of TAFE and the incredible growth of poor quality providers chasing the money rather than focussing on quality teaching; the technology disruption and the opportunity that innovation provides for learners, practitioners and providers; a refocus on learners that puts them at the centre of decision making and has reshaped the connectivity between learner and teacher/ organisation; the opportunity to support marginalised and disadvantage learners and communities via VET outreach activities and the renegotiated links with industry – just a snapshot.

My vision for VET would include seeing VET workforce development strategies as part of core business in all providers; the establishment of the National Association for VET Practitioners; active research influencing and supporting teaching and learning approaches, relevant engagement with industry and a focus on continuing professional development – all informing the work of the Centre and by default supporting all of you to continue the excellent work you do.

Stay connected with the Centre – it can only be as good as you need as long as you support it. The Centre prides itself on staying ahead of the game, on continually improving on what we do and by providing thoughtful and timely advice and support to you. Enjoy the break and I wish you all the best for the coming years ahead. Adieu and no doubt I will see some of you in and around the sector, so say hello.

VET LEADERS LUNCH PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

VET Funding Review: Bruce Mackenzie was the guest speaker at the October VET Leaders lunch where he spoke about the Mackenzie Review and the direction of

his report findings. Due to significant upheaval in the Victorian VET funding as a consequence of the rapid and repeated changes to funding settings the TAFE sector has been particularly impacted. This has resulted in serious concerns about TAFE institutes’ ability to meet the needs of industry and their communities. The Government commissioned an independent review of VET funding to provide the advice the Government needs to craft a more stable funding system and to ensure its investment in training aligns with the goals of the Government’s 'Back to Work' plan. The work has been completed by Bruce Mackenzie and his colleagues but no formal information is available to the sector at the moment regarding the recommendations and the department’s view on the matter.

EMERGING KOORIE ARTISTS

WEBINARS JUST BECAME EASIER

THE CENTRE NEWS

THE CENTRE NEWS

Brian Boo O’Connor, Koorie Artist

Students from the Certificate III in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts run by the Federation Training Koorie Unit, now have their work available for public viewing online. This is a program supported by the Deadly Digital VET Development Centre. This is the first step students are taking to develop themselves as professional practicing artists. Students may be contacted directly through their pages to purchase artwork, commission work, or purchase copyright privileges. To view artist profiles and artwork, click here.

The new redesign of the Blackboard Collaborate interface allows participants to join webinars more easily and quickly without having to download software. The redesign allows for more time to be spent teaching and learning and less time setting up.

Do you use Blackboard Collaborate in your online teaching space? Check out the new updates here.

FULL STEAM AHEAD! PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

2016

TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE

The VET sector continues to grapple with a range of issues including a changing teaching and student demographic, teaching and learning occurring in a variety of settings and the demand for a stronger focus on quality delivery and outcomes. Confidence in the VET sector needs to be rebuilt and at the same time we need to recognise and celebrate the good practices that we know are there. The VET Development Centre’s annual conference will focus on these issues, with a mind to improve on good practice, innovate and celebrate. The 2016 conference will focus on the themes Strategy, Teaching, Engagement, Assessment and Management.

Strategies: The engagement of learners, business, community and government is a science needing a strategic approach to ensure that providers satisfy all of these stakeholders.

Teaching: Innovation and entrepreneurship are key to successful engagement; teachers require new methods

FULL STEAM AHEAD and practices, including technology, to meet diverse learner needs.

Engagement: A diverse learner group in class, online, in industry, the community or the workplace requires an engineered approach to deliver strong learning outcomes.

Assessment: Quality assessment processes are an art form and are essential to ensuring all stakeholders have trust and confidence in the result: plan, assess, moderate and validate.

Management: It’s never as easy as 1, 2, 3 but good management of teaching, learning and staff requires a mathematical approach to ensure that it all adds up!

Date: 1 - 2 September 2016 Location: RACV Torquay resort To save your spot register online now.

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

L-R Angela Hutson (Chair), Denise Stevens (CEO), Hon Robert Fordham on original Ministerial Advisory Committee to establish the Centre

In June 2015 the Centre celebrated its 10 year anniversary – a notable achievement for the Centre and also for the Victorian VET sector. The Centre works closely with all contributors across the system including TAFE Institutes, Private RTOs, Learn Local Organisations and other community providers, key industry stakeholders and importantly the teachers and other staff integral to a quality system. In mid-October a celebratory function was held to acknowledge the success of the Centre and a brochure developed which can be viewed here.

L-R Wanda Korndorffer (CEO 2006-09), John Parish (Interim CEO), Denise Stevens (CEO 2009 – 15)

Guests at the 10 year celebrations.

In his introduction to the celebratory brochure Minister Steve Herbert commented: 'In 2005 the VET Development Centre was established by the late Hon Minister Kosky to bring strategic and practical focus to VET workforce development. Ten years later the Centre is a central contributor to that ongoing endeavour. Like any industry, vocational education and training relies on the skills and knowledge of its workforce. VET students and their employers are direct beneficiaries of the Centre’s dedication to extending professional capability among VET trainers, teachers, support staff and managers. Importantly, the Centre has responded to VET’s diversity, supporting innovation and professional learning in schools, adult and community education, private and enterprise RTOs, and TAFE. The Centre has consolidated a leadership role in high quality project management, professional learning design and delivery, research and evaluation, and established enduring partnerships in the sector. As the Andrews Government works to build a strong and sustainable VET system, I welcome this opportunity to acknowledge the Centre’s significant contribution to vocational education and training.'

Craig Robertson (DET), speaking on behalf of the Department and the Hon. Minister Steve Herbert.

The Centre looks forward to continuing with this important work supporting providers and practitioners; full details regarding our work are available on the VET Development Centre website.

L-R Angela Hutson (Chair) and Denise Stevens (CEO)

FULLY FUNDED PROGRAMS FOR VETIS STAFF THE CENTRE PROJECTS

Great news for teachers and RTOs working on VET in Schools (VETiS) delivery as students get their holiday hats out and the 2015 school year ends! The VET Development Centre has secured Department of Education and Training funding to provide fully supported workforce development for VETiS in 2016.

In 2015 over 350 secondary school staff from public, private and Catholic schools attended workshops run by the Centre to support their work in delivering VET qualifications to their students.

Participant comments on 2015 workshops included:

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The program expanded on existing knowledge – updated me on changes and new directions. The presenter was exceptionally knowledgeable and kept things moving and explained everything well. This is the third VET Development Centre PD I have attended and they have all been valuable.

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Nice to know everyone had similar issues and concerns. Will now take time to look at our Auspicing Agreement with a lot more understanding as I am new in the role of VET Coordinator.

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[I learnt] background knowledge of assessment tools and how to organise accurate tools used to assess units to achieved outcomes. The presenter was very interesting and I’ve learnt some very valuable skills.

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Presenter’s willingness to take questions and her response with thorough explanation was key in my learning today. I enjoyed her sense of humour and great storytelling ability, so funny and warm in delivery of information. Catering was very yummy.

The 2016 program for VETiS will be just as relevant and engaging. Make sure you include it in your professional development plan, just don’t ask for money as there will be no charge for attendance.

Watch the VET Development Centre website for more further details.

PROJECT MANAGERS MEETING THE CENTRE NEWS This year the VET Development Centre has supported the Project Managers of the 88 capability projects by bringing them together three times throughout the year – induction, mid year and final meetings.

Just recently the final Project Managers Review and Reflection meeting was held, and all the 2015 projects were represented. Over 75 attendees reviewed their project outcomes and shared their journey with their peers. Six projects undertook a 15 minute presentation highlighting the aims of the project, how technology facilitated these aims and the response to the innovation.

The event was, to say the least, a wonderful networking opportunity, and everyone thoroughly appreciated hearing the presentations and sharing the knowledge and the journey of developing and delivering their projects. It was also an opportunity to measure, if the support being delivered by the Centre through the meetings and the mentors provided, were of benefit to the managers and to the success of the projects.

Attendees were asked to fill out a survey of three questions and the comments were extremely encouraging and verified that bringing the Project Managers together throughout the year develops friendships, encourages sharing of issues, knowledge and potential problem solving in a supportive environment. Given the success of this year’s Project Managers meetings and taking on board suggestions from the recent final meeting, the Centre will again run these meetings and build on this program in 2016.

“The Project Managers meetings run by the Centre are a great way to debrief and find out that most project difficulties are common. It's a great networking opportunity.”

OCTOBERVET PROFESSIONAL LEARNING 2015 saw the VET Development Centre collaborate with AVETRA to deliver a thought leading seminar as part of the OctoberVET series. The topic for this year was 'Unearthing the digital landscape: Innovating the pedagogic practices of the Victorian VET workforce' and it reflected on research the Centre undertook in 2014. The aim of the research was to explore practitioner’s perspectives to the change required to engage appropriately in the digital space. The question 'What kind of professional learning supports the sustained use of and removes the impediments to adopting digital learning technologies?' was explored through focus groups, semi structured interviews, desktop research and an online survey. The purpose was to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviours of Victorian VET providers when implementing digital pedagogical practices and to inform an integrated professional development model. This model, rolled out as the ILeP program, is a three year commitment to build workforce capability in using digital technology for teaching.

The OctoberVET presentation continued this discussion and focused

OctoberVET Prezi Presentation: Leo Gregorc, eProject Manager VET Development Centre

on the needs and requirements of organisations and ways to manage the change required for successful integration of digital learning technologies. It unpacked organisational governance issues around policy development and strategy integration. There were three key messages that came out of the discussion: • The importance to specify business and learner outcomes and to develop an inclusive strategy which accommodates both.

changes that surface and support workforce development.

• To know that when integrating technology it must align with both business and learner outcomes – pedagogy before profit, strategy before training and people before technology.

The night highlighted the importance that research plays in informing policy and governance. If you want to know more about the outcomes of the research view the OctoberVET Prezi Presentation.

• To monitor progress using the most appropriate measures and to have a plan that is agile enough to adapt to

FAREWELL TO OUR CEO THE CENTRE NEWS for the last 6 years and in that time the Centre has transitioned from an important resource for TAFE to its broader role in growing workforce capability across the whole VET sector. In 2015, over 6,100 people engaged with the Centre at workshops, webinars and programs which were customised for specific organisations. The Centre also funded 92 projects which can make a difference to hundreds of staff.

It is with much sadness for us that we note Denise’s retirement at the end of this year.

Denise has been the CEO of the VET Development Centre

Denise has certainly left her mark on the sector and will be sorely missed by everyone who has worked with her at some time during her 30 years in the TAFE/VET sector.

VET Development Centre Staff

THIS YEAR IN VET COMMENT PIECE We are always talking about the pace of change and how 'time flies’, but as we are now in December I’m wondering where the year has gone! And again, another year of considerable change within the VET sector. It has been marked by a concern of quality – in delivery and of providers - that is now slowly being addressed. Many of the commentators, expert in this area, have been forecasting for some time many of the issues that have occurred – the VET FEE-HELP scandal, the improper use of brokers and marketing approaches to vulnerable learners, the poor completions and the amount of money expended in VET that hasn’t necessarily realised the expected outcomes.

But setting aside of this ‘tale of woe’, there are still committed practitioners and excellent practices and providers. They continue to support learners to obtain new skills and to achieve employment outcomes, to enable them to contribute to their intended industry and meet their community needs. The work of the Centre is to support the ‘good’ and to highlight excellence. So for us in 2015, some of the highlights include the following: 88 capability building projects funded in 2015 •

ILeP (Digital) 60 projects funded

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Workforce Development 20 projects funded

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Indigenous 5 projects funded

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Disability 3 projects funded

Scholarships were provided to 19 practitioners to attain their VET Diploma or equivalent and 20 specialist staff supported to improve their professional practice. Over 200 professional development workshops and webinars were provided in Victoria and also nationally – all focussed on improving VET sector practice. The Centre also supported individual providers with the delivery of in-house programs, customised to their particular need, all with a focus on building capability and embedding and sustaining good practice.

The VET Development Centre Team L-R Carol Gellard, Hanna Roderick, Ania Anderst, Maria Romanin, Denise Stevens, Janet Nicholds, Leo Gregorc and Susanna Palermo.

As well as supporting local practitioners and providers the Centre regularly meets with international delegations; this year we presented to delegations from China, Brazil, Timor Leste and Laos as well as several Education Officers with AusTrade.

Our expertise is regularly called upon and staff from the Centre judged the Large Training Provider of the Year category for the Victorian Training Awards, the International Training Awards (for student and provider category) and the recent E Learning Awards.

We regularly promote the programs and services of the Centre and recent examples have been at the Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA) VETiS information sessions.

Conference presentations this year have been at AVETRA, NCVER, VELG, TDA national conference and at various staff professional development forums.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE VET DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Happy holidays from the team at the VET Development Centre.

Thank you for all the support over the past year. We look forward to working with you again in 2016.

The VET Development Centre office will be closed from 12pm Wednesday 23 December 2015 and will re-open on Monday 4 January 2016.